The average lifespan of a Warehouse Management System (WMS) is 10+ years, which means that selecting the right solution can make or break your company’s long-term success. But with hundreds of vendors claiming to offer the right solution for you, the task of identifying the best option can quickly get overwhelming. This is where the expertise of a WMS consultant becomes invaluable in the selection process.
What is a WMS Consultant?
A WMS consultant is a contracted individual or business that helps operations vet, negotiate, and, ultimately, select a warehouse management system (WMS) to use for their supply chain execution. For example, a WMS consultant can help you define your unique business requirements, introduce you to best practices, mitigate pitfalls in the selection process, facilitate communication between stakeholders and vendors, and more. Many also offer WMS implementation and support services.
What are the Benefits of Working With a WMS Consultant for Your WMS Selection?
To get a better understanding of the value WMS consultants bring to the table, we recently sat down with experts from the Brecham Group , Bricz, enVista and Made4net. Here’s what they had to say about the specific expertise a WMS consultant brings to the table that can benefit a company during the WMS selection process.
Chris Dahm, Director at Brecham Group, emphasized the breadth and depth of knowledge that WMS consultants bring to the table. With exposure to various industries, company sizes, and operational models, consultants have a panoramic view of the WMS landscape that the average customer lacks. Drawing from lessons learned across different sectors, consultants can offer insights and solutions that transcend industry boundaries. Their depth of experience is also a significant asset. While clients may go through one or two WMS implementations in their careers, consultants handle these projects daily. What may seem like a massive disruption to a client is just another day at the office for a seasoned consultant.
Amit Kirpalani, Vice President, Supply Chain Solutions at enVista, highlighted the importance of thorough due diligence in the WMS selection process. Consultants, having navigated numerous implementations, have a methodology and a set of accelerators that enable them to delve deep into a client’s requirements. From analyzing current processes to envisioning future states, consultants guide clients through every step of the selection process. They facilitate scripted demos that allow clients to visualize their solutions in a vendor’s environment, ensuring a tailored fit for their needs. Additionally, consultants assist with negotiation and vendor selection, ensuring clients get the best possible outcome.
Tyler Linderman, Vice President, Strategy & Growth at Bricz, shared how consultants help define the unique requirements of a business when evaluating WMS options. By understanding the breadth of the industry and drawing from multiple examples, consultants can identify industry-specific requirements and tailor solutions accordingly. Whether it’s optimizing picking methodologies or implementing specialized features like image capture or lot control, consultants ensure that clients’ unique needs are addressed. By incorporating special criteria such as temperature control for specific industries like pharmaceuticals, consultants set clients up for success from the outset of the project.
The ROI of a WMS Consultant
Our panel of experts identified three key ways the cost of hiring a WMS consultant can lead to saving big dollars.
- Cost Avoidance through Negotiation: One significant way in which the cost of hiring a WMS consultant can lead to cost savings lies in the negotiation process. As Dahm explains, vendors often offer better pricing when a consultant is involved in the selection process. This can translate into substantial cost savings for the company, as consultants leverage their expertise and industry knowledge to secure favorable terms and pricing. By facilitating negotiations, consultants help companies avoid overpaying for WMS solutions, ensuring that they receive the best value for their investment.
- Risk Reduction and Peace of Mind: Linderman underscores the importance of taking the time to do it right the first time when selecting a WMS. Hiring a consultant enables companies to conduct thorough due diligence, explore all options, and make informed decisions. This not only reduces the risk of project failure but also provides peace of mind to the leadership team. Consultants, with their depth of experience and industry insights, guide companies through the selection process, ensuring that all factors are considered and evaluated meticulously. By de-risking the project upfront, companies can avoid costly mistakes and setbacks down the line, paving the way for a smoother and more successful implementation.
- Completeness and Confidence in Decision-Making: Another crucial aspect where the cost of hiring a WMS consultant pays off is in the completeness of the selection process. Kirpalani emphasizes the importance of having a complete Request for Proposal (RFP) to ensure that companies have the right solution tailored to their needs. Consultants play a pivotal role in crafting comprehensive RFPs, addressing all functional requirements and potential customization needs. This detailed approach not only helps companies avoid costly customizations and extensions in the future but also instills confidence in the decision-making process. With a thorough understanding of the market and vendor landscape, consultants guide companies in selecting the most suitable WMS solution, ensuring that it aligns with their long-term goals and objectives.
All panelists agree that while the cost of hiring a WMS consultant may seem like an additional expense upfront, the potential cost savings and benefits that result from selecting the most suitable WMS far outweigh this initial investment. Consultants bring expertise, negotiation skills, and risk mitigation strategies to the table, enabling companies to make informed decisions and navigate the selection process with confidence. By leveraging the insights and guidance of experienced consultants, companies can optimize their supply chain operations, drive efficiency, and position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly competitive market landscape.
If you’re ready to begin your WMS search, consider our warehouse manager’s guide to picking a WMS.
